There are a multitude of professions in which workers may be required to perform the same tasks and motions for hours each day. While this might not seem harmful at first glance, repetitive motions can place significant strain on your body over time and increase your risk of developing various types of health conditions.
Repetitive motion injuries remain a prevalent concern in many professions, and such injuries continue to affect the lives of many workers in Minnesota. If you suffer similar injuries at work, you might have concerns about the challenges you could face and what steps you can take to protect your future.
Things to know about repetitive motion injuries
While some repetitive motion injuries may heal with treatment and time, others could continue to have a lingering impact on your life. Some things to know about such injuries may include:
- Common causes: Performing the same motions for hours each day and performing tasks that require intense physical labor are two common causes of repetitive motion injuries. Tasks that require you to work in awkward positions may also prompt similar results.
- Common symptoms: Symptoms of such injuries can range anywhere from pain and swelling in the affected area to sensations of weakness and numbness. Such injuries could also lead to bouts with stiffness or increased sensitivity to temperatures.
- Possible impact: Such injuries can involve damage to the muscles, nerves and tendons in various parts of your body. Hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders and knees are all commonly affected areas.
- Major health conditions: In some cases, repetitive motion injuries could increase your risk of developing major health conditions, such as tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Studies also indicate that performing job tasks in cold temperatures or using tools and equipment that constantly vibrate are also types of issues that could increase your risk of suffering repetitive motion injuries.
Workers’ compensation
Similar types of workplace injuries may not only take a significant toll on your health but could also prompt various financial challenges in life. The idea of facing high medical costs while missing out on wages during recovery can be a stressful notion, but there may be certain steps you can take to protect against such concerns. Seeking advice in preparing to navigate the workers’ compensation insurance system process could help place you in a better position to safeguard your future interests.